Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Llu Dentistry - Volume 34, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

In this issue:

4 | Dean's Message
6 | Caring for the Future: A Mission in Honduras
8 | Homecoming 2025
11 | Mission Emphasis Breakfast
18 | Welcome New Faculty
20 | Mahmoud Torabinejad, DMD, MSD, PhD, Professor Emeritus
21 | Where are they now? Lane Thomsen, DDS
22 | Rolando Zeledon New Senior Development Officer
23 | Chan Family Legacy
25 | Remembering Paul Richardson, DDS'72, MEd
28 | CDA Dennis Shinbori Student Table Clinic Awards
34 | 2025 Commencement Weekend
41 | Commencement Speaker Samuel Young, DMD
42 | Prince Award
43 | President's Award
44 | …

Protective Factors Against Child Maltreatment Among Postpartum Mothers, Maggie Mann, Elizabeth Grady, Matthew Hall, Cristy Toburen, Ann Mattison, Jennifer Anderson, Katie J. Hocker, Francesca Donohue, Heather Williams, Jessica Sprague-Jones, James Anderst, Henry T. Puls

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Aht Diagnoses: The Influences Of Clinical Presentation And Evidence Of Impact, Ruairi Smith-Dewey, Angela Bachim, Colleen Bressler, Kristine A. Campbell, Lori Frasier, Chris Greenley, Danielle Horton, Nicole R. Johnson, Jan Leonard, Megan M. Letson, Dan M. Lindberg, Caitlin R. Mcnamara, Shalon M. Nienow, Ashley K. Sherman, Joanne N. Wood, James Anderst Md, Msci

Presentations

In cases where Child Abuse Pediatricians (CAPs) diagnose abusive head trauma (AHT) in young children, some factors surrounding the diagnosis have been challenged including causative shaking, necessity of external signs of impact, or concomitant suspicious injuries. Evaluation of CAP diagnoses in children with subdural hemorrhage (SDH) can give insight into factors related to the frequency of abusive head trauma (AHT) diagnoses. Additionally, characterization of those with SDH+CSI without evidence of impact may inform controversies around AHT diagnoses. Objective We aim to compare CAP diagnoses in subjects with SDH across clinical presentations and in the context of evidence of head impact. …

Mental Health Diagnoses Amongst Children With Complex Chronic Medical Conditions, Maria Newmaster, Matt Hall, Adrienne Deporre, Molly Krager, Cy Nadler, Laura Plencner, Henry T. Puls

Presentations

Background: Mental health (MH) diagnoses are known to complicate outcomes of underlying medical conditions in pediatrics, but the prevalence of MH diagnoses across the array of medically complex and/or chronic conditions are not well known. Objective: To compare prevalence of MH diagnoses across levels of medical complexity and chronicity, and identify factors associated with MH diagnoses among children with complex chronic conditions (CCC). Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included children ages 5-17 years with at least 11 months of continuous Medicaid enrollment in 2022 from the Merative Marketscan Medicaid Database which collects data from all children with Medicaid in the …

Variation In Blood Culture Testing For Three Common Infections, Smit Shah, Jennifer Goldman, Matt Hall, Jillian Cotter, Samantha A. House, Matthew J. Molloy, Michelle Polich, Michael J. Steiner, John R. Stephens, Michael J. Tchou, Ronald J. Teufel Ii, Irma Ugalde, Andrew Yu, Jessica L. Markham

Presentations

Background: Routine blood culture (BC) testing in uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), and urinary tract infections (UTI) has demonstrated low clinical utility. Objectives: To evaluate hospital-level BC testing trends and their association with clinical outcome differences for children hospitalized with CAP, SSTI, and UTI. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used the Pediatric Health Information System database to identify hospitalizations of children aged 3 months-18 years admitted with CAP, SSTI, or UTI from 2016-2023. We excluded patients with complicated infections, medical complexity, ICU admission, or length of stay (LOS) >7 days. Hospital-level BC testing rates were …

Maternal Guilt Following Pediatric Burn Injury, Sabrina Ung, Abby Dugan, Casey Lawless, Mallory Netz, Alec Bernstein, Carisa Parrish

Posters

Background: Previous research has shown that parental guilt is a risk factor for poor parental adjustment (e.g., depression, posttraumatic stress) following a pediatric burn injury (Hawkins et al., 2019). However, few studies have examined risk factors for parental guilt. Objectives/Goal: The current study aimed to examine relationships among demographic variables, burn characteristics, maternal mental health, with maternal guilt following their child’s burn injury. Methods/Design: Mothers of 147 children who experienced a burn injury (mean child age = 6.28 years, 46% female, 44.7% White, 19.2% Black or African American, 9.6% Hispanic, 1.3% Asian, 11.9% multiracial, total body surface area range .10 …

Facilitators, Barriers, & Recommendations For Pediatric Research Sites Conducting Decentralized Clinical Trials (Dcts), Abby Kietzman

Posters

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the way clinical research is conducted through a widespread adoption of telemedicine practices to continue clinical trial procedures during peak periods of global COVID-19 spread. Using telehealth/telemedicine services allows researchers to conduct “decentralized clinical trials”, or DCTs, for all or portions of study protocol procedures while maintaining safety measures implemented for pandemic control. However, research sites are hesitant to adopt DCT policies due to concerns around digital health technology, data safety and quality, and limited information in the literature specifically assessing telemedicine use for pediatric clinical research via DCTs or how equipped pediatric research sites …

Alumni Journal - Volume 96, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Medicine

Alumni Journal, School of Medicine

Editorials
2 | From the Editor
4 | From the President
6 | From the Dean

News
7 | This & That
10 | Alumni News
12 | School of Medicine News
14 | AIMS Report: Short-term Mission, Long-term Impact
16 | Student Appreciation
18 | Department Report: Preventative Medicine

APC 2025
20 | Annual Postgraduate Convention (APC) 2025 in Review

Features
34 | Building Connections
36 | Divine Connections
38 | Remembering Ath 'AT' Tuot
42 | Alumni Spotlight: Featuring Janet T. Strausbaugh '78-A
44 | Life After Medicine

In Memoriam
45 | Alumni Remembered: Featured Obituaries: David Tse …

April 2025, Swosu Bulldog Wellness Committee

SWOSU BULLDOG WELLNESS

Practice mindfulness!

Here are some strategies for a healthier Spring

April word search

Systematic Review On Alzheimer Research, Charles Mueller

Posters - 2025

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

• Alzheimer's Disease (AD), is a degenerative disease, caused by a large buildup of "Senile Plaques"1 in the spaces between neurons2 .

History

• AD was discovered by Aloise Alzheimer in 1906.1

• Term "Alzherime's Disease" coined in 1910.1

Purpose of Review

• Abnormal deposits of Aβ linked to plaque buildup in 1984.1 Purpose of Review • This review was created to investigate the demographic data of empirical research conducted on the treatment of AD.

• Inspired by past shortcomings in research, like that of cardiovascular disease in women3 ,this review aimed to bring attention to …

Low-Cost Dermatoscope With Early Melanoma Detection, Diego Pensado, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Brianna Valadez

Posters - 2025

Melanoma arises from melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin. Melanoma can affect anyone, though some individuals face higher risk.

● While it makes up a smaller fraction of skin cancer cases, it can become life-threatening quickly if not detected early.

● Regular self-examinations and professional checks are essential for timely intervention.

● Excessive sun exposure, lighter skin, family history, and having numerous moles increase susceptibility to melanoma.

A Protocol To Investigate The Acute Effects Of Contrast Therapy Vs. Heat Therapy On Cardiovascular Health Outcomes, René Barbier, Jace Nicolet, Annahy Pesina

Posters - 2025

There is a growing number of people being affected by hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure (>130/80 mmHg) affects 45% of U.S. adults (Huguet et at., 2021). Chronic hypertension can have catastrophic outcomes, as it significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and heart failure. On top of this, this cardiovascular disease is often referred to as a "silent killer," because it tends to not present symptoms until serious damage already occurred. In addition to the negative effects on the individual, hypertension constitutes a large public heath burden, costing over …

03.31.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement

NIH Transition to Common Forms

NIH Implementation of New Initiatives and Policies

Intouch Week Of March 31, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• NYMC Dedicates The Norman E. Alexander Family M Foundation Medical Education Center Plaza
• Days of Giving Raised More Than $206,000 for Student Scholarships
• NYMC Goes Purple for Epilepsy Awareness Day
• NYMC Alumni Reunite in Palm Beach
• Study Finds Alarming Stroke Odds for Pregnant Women with Migraines
• Faculty Spotlight: Paul M. Spano, D.P.T. '18, PT, Restores the Dreams of Injured Athletes
• Alumni Spotlight: White House Awards NYMC Public Health Alumna with PECASE Award

“Coherent Nonsense”: Lessons Learned From Utilizing Chatgpt For Usmle-Style Anatomy And Pathology Questions, Alexander Macnow, Md, Mhpe

Department of Medical Education Posters

Undergraduate medical education (UME) encounters several challenges, including the need for adequate practice items replicating standardized medical exams like the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).1 This demand suggests a role for innovative, efficient approaches to item generation. Artificial intelligence (AI) large language models (LLM), like those employed by ChatGPT, present an attractive solution.

Previous authors have investigated ChatGPT’s ability to “pass” high-stakes assessments, such as the USMLE,^2–4 the ophthalmology and radiology board examinations,5,6 and other nations’ certification examinations.⁷ Less literature has been published on ChatGPT’s ability to construct vignette-based single best answer multiple choice items similar to …

Introducing Kids To Cultural Cuisines, Maggie Mckay, Rachel Finn

Parent-ish Podcast

While it can be easy to lean on your tried and true, family-favorite recipes, introducing children to diverse cuisines is a wonderful way to expand their understanding of different cultures while also trying new foods. As parents, we have the unique opportunity to use food as a tool for education and connection. Rachel Finn, chef/educator at Children's Mercy Kansas City, discusses how to involve kids in the process and make discovering new cuisines fun and nutritious for the whole family!

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Social Determinants Of Health Correlate With Placental Pathology, K. Rebecca Koob, Md, Lucy Ma, Md, Allison Goldberg, Md, Sarah Lawson, Bs, Taylor Extavour, Bs, Emily Torres, Bs, Joanna Chan, Md

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Posters

Background

• The intrauterine environment is the earliest space for human development
• Placental pathologies have been shown to correlate with perinatal outcomes
• Social determinants of health (SDoH) have also been shown to correlate with perinatal outcomes
• This study examined the association between SDoH at time of delivery and placental pathologies

Intouch Week Of March 24, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• NYMC Students Shine on Match Day 2025
• LaShari Valentin, Ph.D., M.B.A., Named Designated Institutional Official
• Predatory Journals on the Rise: How the Phillip Capozzi, M.D., Library Can Help You Publish Safely
• Pet the Stress Away Brings Comfort to NYMC
• NYMC Annual Days of Giving Set for March 25-26
• Student Contest Winner’s Designs are Now Available
• Faculty Spotlight: NYMC Faculty Member and Alumna Appointed to Public Health Director for Sullivan County
• Student Spotlight: Justinian Michaels Aspires to Bring Athletes Back to the Game

Anti-Maa Antibodies Increase Disease Severity In A Mouse Model Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, William P. Mcguire Iii, Michael J. Duryee, Rizwan Ahmad, Punita Dhawan, Amar B. Singh, Geoffrey M. Thiele

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

The Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase Inhibitor Bb-Cla Decreases The Inflammatory And Fibrotic Responses In Macrophages And Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts Exposed To Fibrinogen Modified With Malondialdehyde-Acetaldehyde Adduct And Citrulline, Jack E. Mordeson, Nozima Aripova, Michael J. Duryee, James R. O'Dell, Bryant England, Daniel Anderson, Ted R. Mikuls, Geoffrey M. Thiele

EMET Projects

Background. Peptide citrullination and adduction with malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adduct (MAA) are involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies are >90% specific for the diagnosis of RA, and MAA co-localizes with citrullinated proteins in RA synovial fluid. In addition, macrophages demonstrate increased expression of peptidyl arginine deiminase-2 (PAD2), an isozyme of PAD, in response to these MAA-adducted proteins. PAD catalyzes protein citrullination and may mediate the immunogenic transformation of synovial proteins and subsequent auto-antibody formation in RA. Here, we determine whether inhibition of PAD effects inflammatory and fibrotic markers in macrophages and RA human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS-RA) …

Labeled, Hannah E. Manoj

EMET Projects

To explore the extent to which stigma permeates the field of psychiatry, this project, entitled “LABELED”, involved writing a series of structured poems for ten commonly stigmatized mental illnesses: anorexia nervosa, antisocial personality disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorder. The shortest poems in each set focus on stereotypes and first impressions commonly held about these disorders while the longer poems center around the identity of these individuals beyond their diagnoses. Amongst each set of poems, there is a recontextualization of the words shared between …

Persistent Barriers To Implementation Of Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy, Jessica Hack, Adati Tarfa, Harlan Sayles, Nada Fadul

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Medical Usage And Injury Prevalence At The 2024 College World Series, Roarick Schollmeyer, Jd Gregerson, Benjamin Stevens, Katie Weaver, Joseph Lippert

EMET Projects

Large-scale events such as the College World Series (CWS) pose unique challenges for medical services due to high crowd density, prolonged event durations, and variable environmental conditions. This study aimed to assess the medical usage rate (MUR) and injury prevalence at the 2024 CWS to inform future event planning and emergency medical preparedness. A retrospective analysis was conducted using patient encounter data collected between June 14 and June 24, 2024. Data sources included Union Medical event services, which documented on-site treatments and dispositions, and Omaha Fire Department EMS records detailing prehospital care. The MUR was calculated as the number of …

Hospital Re-Admission, Length Of Stay, And Chief Complaints Of Patients Experiencing Housing Instability, Andrew S. Leavitt, Jainaha K. Srikumar, Rizwan M. Siddiqui, Luke R. Siedhoff, Jennifer Liu, Jenenne Geske

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

Hospital Admissions Of Patients Experiencing Housing Instability, Rizwan M. Siddiqui, Jainaha K. Srikumar, Andrew S. Leavitt, Luke R. Siedhoff, Jenenne Geske, Jennifer Liu

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

March 18, 2025 — 2025 Coalition Letter Supporting Dr. Lorna Breen Reauthorization Act, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

03.17.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

SPA director Andrea Rich

ARC Nomination Deadline Extended

Clinic Emotions, Rachel Sisley

EMET Projects

This is a sketch of a woman walking into a clinic with her three children, being greeted by a member of the nursing staff. There are two additional staff members in the background. Overlaid on the sketch are acrylic paints representing the emotions of each person. For the mother holding her newborn, the dark blue around her represents sadness, the white represents isolation, and the purple represents detachment. Her toddler behind her, as well as the nurse greeting her, are both outlined in orange and light blue, representing happiness and calmness, respectively. Her newborn and the toddler at her hip …

Antibiotics Vs Surgical Resection In Foot And Ankle Osteomyelitis, Travis Rich, Marshall G. Solomon

Posters

Osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection, is particularly challenging in diabetic patients due to poor vascularization and impaired immune response.1 Timely and effective treatment is essential to prevent severe complications, including limb loss or even death.2 This study aims to evaluate the likelihood of surgical excision or amputation versus antibiotic treatment alone in diabetic patients with bone biopsyconfirmed acute osteomyelitis of the lower extremity.

Case Report Of Surgical Management For Charcot Foot Medial Column Beaming With Stj Arthrodesis, Prachi Patel, Randy Semma

Posters

Medial column beaming is a surgical procedure that involves inserting a metallic beam to the medial column of the foot to treat the Charcot deformity of the foot.

A surgeon will use a large diameter screw to insert a beam into medial column which includes the first metatarsal, medial cuneiform, navicular and talus (fig 3) The beam shares the load of weightbearing with the foot's ligaments and joints, reducing the abnormal loss of structural integrity that can occur in Charcot arthropathy of the foot.

Subtalar joint fusion is often performed concurrently with medial column beaming to enhance the overall stability …